Behind Ballarat's Latest Cultural Projects: The Creators Who Shaped Them

Three Ballarat residents completed a set of light projections for the Ballarat Botanical Gardens that went live on July 10 after 14 months of design work.

The timing coincides with increased state funding for regional arts programs announced in May and visitor numbers rising at cultural sites across western Victoria.

The projections cover 40 metres of the gardens' fernery wall and draw on archival photos from the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Lydiard Street. Organisers at the Ballarat Arts Council coordinated with engineers from Bakery Hill to install the equipment without disturbing existing plantings.

Attendance at the gallery reached 48,000 last financial year according to its annual report, up 12 per cent from the prior period. Ticket prices for the new evening viewing sessions start at $18 for adults.

From sketches to switch-on

The lead designer, who works from a studio above a cafe on Sturt Street, tested 22 versions of the projection sequence before final approval. A second team handled the audio component that plays through speakers near the lake path.

Funding came partly from a $65,000 grant through the City of Ballarat's cultural development program and the rest from private sponsors tied to Sovereign Hill.

Next steps for visitors

The projections run nightly until September 30. Tickets and a map of the display route are available at the gardens entrance on Wendouree Parade or through the council website.